A new scheme providing final year Radio students with industry mentors from around the country was launched at the University of Gloucestershire on Wednesday October 14.

The mentors arrived at the University’s Park campus in Cheltenham to meet with the students at a celebratory drinks reception, while first and second year students recorded interviews during the launch.

Students joining the Radio degree are encouraged to gain professional radio experience alongside their studies, and the scheme has been set up by Julia Hayball, senior lecturer in Radio Production, who has worked with top BBC presenters including Chris Evans and Steve Wright.

As well as broadcasting on and running their own student station, Tone Radio, they also seek out opportunities in local and regional BBC, commercial and community radio stations. In their final year this experience becomes a formal part of the course as the Work Placement module.

Course leader Jason Griffiths said: “Julia Hayball only joined us last year and has been a fantastic addition to the Radio team. Her part-time contract means she’s able to continue working in radio as an independent producer, currently for BBC Radio 3 and 4.

“As radio tutor for our final year placement it was Julia's idea to find an industry mentor for each of our students. She has worked incredibly hard, using her extensive network of contacts to match mentors as closely as possible to each student’s stated area of specialist interest. And two of the mentors are from amongst our own successful radio graduates now working in the industry.

“Staff, students and mentors will be working hard to make sure that it’s a success, and something we can repeat year on year.”